Category Archives: Cross Country

Area 5, Area 5 Centres, Cross Country, Hunter Trials, News, Tetrathlon

Flint and Denbigh PC HUNTER TRIALS & TETRATHLON

FLINT & DENBIGH HUNT BRANCH OF THE PONY CLUB

LLANDYRNOG DISTRICT

HUNTER TRIALS & TETRATHLON

 Saturday and Sunday 9th and 10th September 2017

at

PLAS DOLBEN
LLANGYNHAFAL
DENBIGH
LL16 4LN
01824 790327

secretary@fndponyclub.org.uk

By permission of
Mr & Mrs GW Pierce

Access for parking NOT suitable for large vehicles (Please ring if in doubt)

All entries to be in by Monday 4th Sep 2017

NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED

Area 5, Area 5 Centres, Championships, Cross Country, Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping

CHESHIRE SHIELD HORSE TRIALS AND AREA 4/5 CHAMPIONSHIP 2017

Please find attached the schedule and entry form for the above event. I have also attached some information regarding 3rd party/public liability insurance which I trust you will find helpful together with a Frequently Asked Questions sheet

This year the event includes not only the 2017 Area 4 and Area 5 Championship qualifiers but also, for the first time, the Area 4 and Area 5 Regional Championships qualifier (formerly known as Grassroots) for both teams and individuals in our Newcomers Class. For this reason we expect entries from Pony Club member’s to be significantly higher. Inevitably this means that capacity for non-Pony Club members may be reduced. However, we are still accepting entries from non-Pony Club riders and we will do our very best to accommodate as many as possible. It is therefore expected that the demand for places will be even higher this year and entries will need  to be submitted as early as possible.

Once again, those Pony Club Branches wishing to enter teams are able to leave team selection almost until the last minute. All riders/branches should submit entries for individuals by the closing date of FRIDAY 16th JUNE and team selection from those individual entries does not need to be notified (by email would be preferred) until FRIDAY the 23rd JUNE.

It is important, however, that ALL RIDERS HAVE ENTERED BY THE 16th JUNE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE TO BE INCLUDED IN A TEAM.

We have decided this year to incorporate the £10 start fee into the entry fee and, following our experience of last year, we have also had to make provision for abandonment. Further, in view of the fact that the Newcomers class is now a qualifier, we have decided to equalise the entry fee for all classes.

Please use a separate entry form for each rider/horse combination entry .

I do hope to be able to communicate with all competitors by email and keep them up-dated with event information from time to time, so please try to include a LEGIBLE (to me!) email address. If you don’t have a personal email address, try to arrange to use that of a friend who will pass on news.

Geoff Bell
District Commissioner

Area 5, Area 5 Centres, Cross Country, Training

AREA 4 Senior Cross Country Training

  • THE PONY CLUB AREA 4 Senior Cross Country Training
  • 11th April 2017
  • at Somerford Park Farm, Cheshire
  • Coach: Richard Carruthers (BHSI)

A Training session has been arranged for the more experienced Pony Club members who are currently riding at Pony Club Intermediate (BE 100) and Pony Club Open (BE Novice) level or
above.

Richard is a BE under 18 coach for the Wales and Borders region. He is an inspirational, popularand motivating coach, who aims to give riders more confidence and better focus towards the end of
each session.

Cost: £48 per person per 90 min session (inclusive of course hire).
As places are limited applications are restricted to one per member until after the 28th March, when applications for a second slot will be considered. No refunds (unless cancelled by the organisers)
after 28th March 2017.

Skull Caps: to comply with Pony Club hat rules, must be worn at all times when mounted with chin strap fastened and must be tagged!

Body Protectors are compulsory and must comply with Pony Club rules.

ENTRIES: Online at www.westlancashireinceblundell@pcuk.org by 28th March 2017. Applications on line accepted on the basis that a slot is available at the required level.

Please ensure that you and provide the name of your branch and details of your experience, and any request for a second horse under “Other Relevant Information”.

Times to be posted on www.westlancashireinceblundell@pcuk,org on Sunday 9th April ‘17

All enquiries to Sally O’Brien – 0151 929 2376 (evenings only)

Area 5, Championships, Cross Country, Dressage, Eventing, Hunter Trials, Report, Show Jumping

Areas 4 and 5 Horse Trials results 24th July 2016

Many thanks to Emily Barnes, our Chief HT scorer, for preparing these so quickly despite being away from the competition for most of the day – helping to run our Mini-Camp – and also for drafting in most of the rest of her family to ensure it all went without a hitch.

Many thanks also to all other officials, volunteers, helpers etc. for ensuring that we had a splendid day and to the King family for making sure the infrastructure was so well presented and worked.

Thanks also to all you competitors, your parents, branch officials, family and friends for taking part so cheerfully – despite the 1.2 mile trip to the XC course.

We were glad to see you all and look forward to inviting you back to Somerford again – should we ever get the chance.

Regards … Geoff

Area 5, Championships, Cross Country, Dressage, Eventing, Hunter Trials, News, ODE

Areas 4 & 5 Horse Trials – Final bulletin

(Webmaster: I hope, along with many others we can breathe a sigh of relief with the publication of this Final Horse Trials Post. I hope to see many photos and reports after the mammoth struggle that Geoff and his team of organisers have spent over the last month in reorganising this event. Please send photos and reports by email here. Thanks …. )

26-Acre-Map-2

Map

I am very happy to say that the sun is still shining here in Somerford (in between the rain showers) and all is well.

I attach a copy of the 2016 programme – we will not be printing a copy this year in view of the reduced numbers competing so if you feel you will need any information for the day, please print it at home and bring it with you.

I would draw particular attention to the cross-country times, speeds and distances chart at the end of the programme.

Site Layout Plan and road access

I attach a copy of the site layout plan (26 acre Map 2) and ask you to note that the closest postcode for the entrance to the event is CW12 4SN.

If you are travelling from the M6/Holmes Chapel direction on the A54, you will pass the main entrance to Somerford Park Farm on your left-hand side. Continue along the A54 for 7/10ths of a mile and you will see the warning sign for the entrance which is on your left. Turn into the field gate (it is 14ft wide so ensure you make a wide enough turn) and continue straight for about 150m and then turn right into the main lorry park.

If you are travelling from the Congleton direction, the field gate entrance is on the right about 7/10ths of a mile after you pass  the Chelford Road/Sandy Lane off-set crossroads.

Please take extreme care when negotiating the entrance, slowdown in good time, beware overtaking traffic – it is a single carriageway main road, it is unlikely to be very busy but needs extra vigilance.

On-site – dogs MUST be kept on leads. Please beware children and horses when manoeuvring.

Cross Country Course Access and Plans

Please note the blue line on the site plan marking the route to the XC. It is 1.2 miles and you should allow AT LEAST 20 minutes  to walk it. The route will be marked with direction arrows. The course will not officially be open for walking until 2 p.m. on Saturday. If you choose to walk before then, it will be at your own risk. It is currently flagged but it is possible that changes have to be made. If you wish to walk before 2p.m. on Saturday, you should seek permission from the Somerford Park office. Course maps are attached as a rough guide only – you should take account of what is actually there on the ground rather than merely following the map.

Competitor Times

I attach an updated competitor times list. There are a few changes since first publication but your times should only have changed if you or your team manager has asked to make a change for any reason.  However, please check your times and use this list for future reference.

Teams

We have a total of 17 teams competing across the two Areas. I attach a list of teams for your information.

Souvenirs

We will have some very special souvenirs on sale – hoodies from the 2016 Cheshire Shield that never was – they will become a collector’s item – please buy one and support the North West Air Ambulance.

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday – and just keep smiling whatever.

Geoff

Geoff Bell
District Commissioner

Area 5, Cross Country, Dressage, Eventing, Hunter Trials, News, ODE

Areas 4 and 5 Horse Trials – Sunday 24th July

Update to competitors who have entered (and remain entered!) for the re-arranged Areas 4 and 5 Horse Trials to be held at Somerford Park Farm on Sunday the 24th July.

(Webmaster: There is likely to be a further updates with the final update being on Thursday, please check back! Thank you)

Ground Conditions & weather

The ground conditions on the Cross Country course at Somerford are improving. We had rain for most of yesterday but today has been very warm and sunny. We are forecast to have reasonably good weather from now until Sunday with the exception of Wednesday which is forecast to have thunderstorms. The course will be inspected again on Wednesday and I expect to issue a further bulletin thereafter. It may be that, even if the XC course is not usable (unlikely we hope), we will decide to proceed with a two phase competition in the expectation that HQ will allow qualifiers from that competition to take part at the Championships. It has been pointed out to HQ that, according to the PC website, members could enter the so-called “Elite” (non-qualifying) Eventing competition at the Championships without proving any experience whatsoever and therefore we can see no justification for any such requirement for the qualifying competition. We will do our best to keep you informed.

Dressage

We will be using the Area Eventing dressage tests as per the schedule and, except in the most exceptional circumstances (none recorded to date), commanders will not be allowed. This is, of course, only of relevance to those Area 5 competitors who are also doing the Area 5 Dressage competition at the same venue on the same day. We are liaising closely with our colleagues at Cheshire Hunt North who are organising the Area 5 Dressage to ensure there are no time clashes and as much time as possible is allowed between tests.

Note – there will be 7 dressage arenas altogether – 5 for the Area 5 Dressage and 2 for the Ares 4 & 5 Eventing – make sure you know which arena you are in for which test.

Show Jumping

As indicated above, we are only using two dressage arenas for AE and therefore the SJ arena will have far less riders than usual feeding in. Please ensure you get to the Arena as soon as possible and we will get you in as soon as we can. The Arena will be quite close to the dressage arenas.

Cross Country

You should be aware that the XC start is just over a mile from the parking area, which will be adjacent to the dressage and SJ arenas. It will be signed. A horse will walk at about 4 miles per hour so you should allow AT LEAST 20 minutes to walk to the XC warm-up area. You will be given at least one hour between your SJ and XC times (1hour 20 minutes for the Novice class) so please use it wisely. The walk is mostly on sand tracks but there are some short hard-core tracks also. We suggest you do not stud-up until you reach the XC start field.

Access to the parking area –CW12 4SN

Please note, we will be using an entrance which is adjacent to the main parking area NOT THE SOMERFORD PARK FARM main entrance. This entrance (a 14 foot field gate) is just over half a  mile south of the main SPF entrance on the left hand side as you travel toward Congleton from junction 18 of the M6 through Holmes Chapel – use postcode CW12 4SN not the usual SPF postcode (CW12 4SW) for Satnavs. DO NOT TURN INTO THE MAIN ENTRANCE – THERE IS NO VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE SHOWGROUND. There will be warning signs prior to the entrance so please slow down well before you get to the gate. The A54 is a single carriageway road and although visibility is reasonable you do need to prepare for a 90’ turn. Approaching from the south, from the Congleton direction, the gateway is just over half a mile from the Chelford Road / Sandy Lane off-set crossroads on the right-hand side and again will be signed. The turn in will be a little easier but you will have to look out for oncoming traffic.

Facilities

All normal facilities will be provided (Public catering/Toilets/Vet/Paramedic etc.) but there will NOT be a farrier on site.

Time-table

A draft timetable is set out below for guidance. All classes will start with Area 5 teams followed by Area 5 individuals, then Area 4 teams and Area 4 individuals in that order on the basis of furthest to travel go last where circumstances permit.

Regards … Geoff

T I M E T A B L E (approximate and subject to change)

  Class 1PC90 Class 2PC100 Class 3PC Open Class 4
Dressage A & B 8.30 a.m. – 11.15 a.m. A & B 11.30 a.m.–1.12 p.m. 1.30 p.m. – 2.40 p.m.
Show Jumping 10.10 a.m. – 11.50 a.m. 1.00 p.m.– 2.00 p.m. 2.45 p.m. – 3.15 p.m.
Cross Country 11.30 a.m.– 1.15 p.m. 2.00 p.m.- 3.00 p.m. 3.45 p.m. – 4.15 p.m.
Numbers 1 – 52 201 – 234 301 – 313
Cross Country, Dressage, Eventing, News, ODE

Berwyn and Dee – Vyrnwy Valley RC Charity Beginners One Day Event

Berwyn & Dee Branch of the Pony Club & Vyrnwy Valley Riding Club Charity Beginners One Day Event

  • To be Held at Daywell Manor, Gobowen, Oswestry, SY10 7EJ
  • Saturday 30th July 2016
  • Entries NOW close 22nd July  or sooner if fully subscribed

SCHEDULE

  • All ages as at 1st January 2016
  • Classes 1-4 are strictly for beginners and are intended to encourage riders to compete in One Day Events.
  • Winning or being placed in any of these classes does not change the competitor’s status from Novice.

CLASS 1 BEGINNERS ANY AGE (can be lead rein)

  • PC D level 1 Dressage Test (Walk and Trot) max height of jumps 50 cms
  • Outside assistance is permitted in this class only

CLASS 2 … 10 YEARS AND UNDER

  • PC introductory 2007 Dressage Test
  • (May be commanded/called)

CLASS 3 … 11 TO 14 YEARS

  • PC introductory 2007 Dressage Test
  • (To be ridden from Memory)

CLASS 4 … 15 Years and over– Novice Rider

  • PC introductory 2007 Dressage Test (to be ridden from memory)
  • This class is aimed at any PC/RC member or adult who has very limited experience.
  • Those competing who are not members of a pony club must provide valid insurance cover (to be recorded on entry form)

CLASS 5 … NOVICE HORSE OR PONY

  • PC C Level 2 Dressage Test (to be ridden from memory)
  • Rider may be any age
  • This class is aimed at horses/ponies that have never previously completed an ODE other than beginners
  • SHOWJUMPING AND XC JUMPS WILL BE TO A MAXIMUM OF 2’3” WITH SMALLER OPTIONS AT EACH FENCE
  • The Lead Rein Class will be run over the smaller course
  • Dressage tests available to download from www.pcuk.org
  • Entry Fee: £35.00 or £28 for Berwyn & Dee PC or Vyrnwy Valley RC members
  • No Entries accepted without payment
  • Telephone entries will not be accepted
Area 5, Cross Country, Dressage, News, ODE, Show Jumping

Cheshire Shield Saturday 2nd July 2016

Second Bulletin – 27th June 2016

As previously indicated, we are very full in all classes and still have a waiting list for some. Altogether we have about 260 entries which are divided as follows:

  • Class 1        (PC90) – 90 – 3 sections with 6 Area 5 teams and 9 Area 4 teams;
  • Class 2      (PC100) – 60  – 2 sections with 6 Area 5 teams and 3 Area 4 teams;
  • Class 3 (PC Open) – 30 – 1 section; with 3 Area 5 teams and 1 Area 4 team;
  • Class 4        (PC80)  –  78 – 3 sections.

We will run the classes in that order and sections in the following order:

  • Class 1, sections A & B: Area 5 teams, followed by Area 4 teams, Area 5 individuals and Area 4 individuals;
  • Class 1, section C: Pony Club non-Area 4/5 qualifiers and non-PC individuals;
  • Class 2, sections A & B:  Area 5 teams, followed by Area 4 teams, Area 5 individuals and Area 4 individuals;
  • Class 3: Area 5 teams, followed by Area 4 teams, Area 5 individuals and Area 4 individuals and non-PC individuals;
  • Class 4, sections A & B: Pony Club individuals divided by age;
  • Class 4, section C: Non-PC individuals.

Within those divisions, riders will generally be listed geographically, with those travelling furthest going toward the end of the grouping except in Class 4 where the reverse will apply – those travelling furthest being listed toward the beginning of their section.

The draft timetable below will perhaps help you to structure your day.

Draft Timetable (approximate and subject to change)

  Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4
Dressage A & B 8.00 a.m.– 11.30 a.m.

C 8.30 a.m. – 11.12 a.m.

 10.00 a.m.–1.12 p.m. 11.00 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. 1.30 p.m. – 4.20 p.m.
Show Jumping 9.00 a.m. – 12 noon. 12.15 p.m.– 1.45 p.m. 2.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. 3.00 p.m. – 5.10 p.m.
Cross Country 10.00 a.m.– 12.40 p.m. 1.00 p.m.- 2.30 p.m. 2.45 p.m. – 3.45 p.m. 4.00 p.m. – 6.10 p.m.
Numbers 1 – 90 201 – 260 301 – 330 401 – 478

The full timetable will be published on the East Cheshire website at 6 p.m. on Wednesday the 29th and will be emailed to all those receiving this email.

This year we will have available commemorative Cheshire Shield 2016 Hoodies and Polo shirts which can be customised with your name. A donation from each item sold will go to our nominated charity the North West Air Ambulance..

Area 5, Cross Country, Dressage, Eventing, Hunter Trials, News

CHESHIRE SHIELD HORSE TRIALS AND AREA 5 QUALIFIER

CHESHIRE SHIELD HORSE TRIALS AND AREA 5 QUALIFIER – SATURDAY  2nd JULY  2016 – SOMERFORD PARK FARM

Please find attached the schedule and entry form for the above event. I have also attached some information regarding 3rd party/public liability insurance which I trust you will find helpful together with a Frequently Asked Questions sheet

I would draw your attention to the fact that this year’s event is, for the second year running, on a SATURDAY, NOT Sunday as many of you have been used to.

This year the event not only includes the 2015 Area 5 qualifier but also, for the first time, the Area 4 qualifier. For this reason we expect entries from Pony Club member’s to be significantly higher. Inevitably this means that capacity for non-Pony Club members will be much reduced. However, we are still accepting entries from non-Pony Club riders and we will do our very best to accommodate as many as possible. It is therefore expected that the demand for places will be even higher this year and entries will need  to be submitted as early as possible.

Once again, those Pony Club Branches wishing to enter teams are able to leave team selection almost until the last minute. All riders/branches should submit entries for individuals by the closing date of MONDAY 20th JUNE and team selection from those individual entries does not need to be notified (by email would be preferred) until MONDAY the 27TH JUNE.

It is important, however, that ALL RIDERS HAVE ENTERED BY THE 20th JUNE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE TO BE INCLUDED IN A TEAM.

Please use a separate entry form for each rider/horse combination entry .

I do hope to be able to communicate with all competitors by email and keep them up-dated with event information from time to time, so please try to include a LEGIBLE (to me!) email address. If you don’t have a personal email address, try to arrange to use that of a friend who will pass on news.